Christian charity warms over normalising Botox as Superdrug takes it to high street

Wed 15 Aug 2018

By Eno Adeogun

A Christian charity that works to improve confidence and self-worth among youngsters and adults has criticised Superdrug's decision to offer Botox and fillers in store for just £99.

It's the first store to bring non-surgical procedures to the high street and will be available for people aged 25 and over in its store in the Strand, London, before rolling it out nationwide.

Emma Oliver from the charity Friendly Development told Premier she's concerned about the development.

"It's just becoming really normal. It's becoming something that we can pop in and get Botox at lunchtime along with perhaps other procedures like lip-fillers…along with something that would be more of a day-to-day treatment like a manicure or a pedicure."

Customers will only be able to have the cosmetic procedure after a phone booking and consultation with a qualified nurse.

However, Oliver explained why Christians should think twice before altering their appearance.

She said: "As Christians we've got the amazing word. One of the scriptures that I love reading at the moment is Psalm 139…it's about how God formed us and knows every part of us and he carefully, skilfully shaped us from nothing into something and having that as testament to who we are as individuals.

"We're all meant to be different - we're meant to look different…with this procedure being available in such a way, we are going down the route of all wanting to have the same sort of hairline, the same eyebrows, so it's a shame.

"I think it would be nice to remember who we are individually. How we are unique - we're fearfully and wonderfully made and trying to focus on who we are as people - not just always about what we look like."

Superdrug has said the treatments are being offered following feedback from 10,000 customers who said they wanted anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation on the high street.

Listen to Emma Oliver speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

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